Maryland Agricultural Highlights – February 2015

March 1 Filing Deadline Fast Approaching for Nutrient Management Reports

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for submitting 2014 Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs).  AIRs and instructions were mailed in January to approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program. These farmers are required to follow current nutrient management plans and submit reports to MDA documenting how they implemented their plans during the previous calendar year.  Animal operations operating under a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) submit one combined form to MDA. AIR reporting forms may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices or downloaded from MDA’s web site at www.mda.maryland.gov. Farmers who fail to file their AIRs on time risk fines and/or penalties, including the loss of eligibility for state cost-share funds.  For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office or call the Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

SSCC Meeting Set For February 19, 2015

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting.  The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. Established in 1938, the State Soil Conservation Committee coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation. For more information, contact Louise Lawrence, executive secretary, 410-841-5863.

Fertilizer Application Reports due March 1 for Licensed Professional Lawn Care Pros

Licensed individuals and businesses that fertilize turf are required to file an Annual Fertilizer Application Report with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) by March 1. The reports outline total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied to turf by county.  Reporting forms and instructions were mailed to all license holders in January 2015. Additional copies are available online at www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. For more information, call 410-841-5959 or contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses

University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture offer free nutrient applicator voucher training and renewal courses to farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour course is required once every three years for these operators. Contact your county Extension office to register and confirm the location and time. The following sessions remain:

Anne Arundel—March 10, call 410-222-3906

Caroline County—February 18 and February 26, call 410-479-4030

Frederick County—March 11, call 301-600-1594

Harford County—February 10 and 25, call 410-638-3255

Queen Anne’s County—February 27, call 410-758-0166

Talbot County—March 4, call 410-822-1244

Washington County—March 5, call 301-791-1304

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The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance, a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural  agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.